Go Back

Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken is a creamy sun-dried tomato chicken dinner with golden seared breasts and a glossy Parmesan cream sauce. It simmers until thick, then gets spooned over the chicken for restaurant-quality flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 610
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Marry Me Chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts Pound to even thickness if needed for consistent searing.
  • 0.5 tsp salt Season generously to both sides.
  • 0.5 tsp pepper Use freshly ground if possible.
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder Adds savory depth to the chicken seasoning.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning Use part for seasoning and part for the sauce.
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika Gives warm color and a subtle smoky note.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil For high-heat searing in the skillet.
  • 4 garlic cloves Minced.
  • 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil Drain and slice.
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth Use to deglaze and build the sauce base.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Stirs in for a rich, creamy texture.
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese Grated; helps thicken and flavor the sauce.
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning For the sauce.
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes Adds gentle heat.
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil For garnish.

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Season and sear the chicken
  1. Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, then sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F; remove to a plate.
Make the sun-dried tomato cream sauce
  1. In the same pan, cook the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes for 1 minute.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
  3. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, dried Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, then simmer 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Finish and serve
  1. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over each breast, then simmer for 2 more minutes.
  2. Garnish with fresh basil and serve over pasta or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Pro tip: let the sauce simmer just until thick enough to coat a spoon—Parmesan will continue to tighten it as it rests. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Freezing is not recommended for best creamy texture. For a lighter option, swap heavy cream with half-and-half and reduce simmer time slightly to prevent thinning.